RMIT University redefines digital education as an Adobe Creative Campus Innovator
Photo Credit: RMIT University.
When Professor Sherman Young assumed the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Education at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, he brought with him a transformative ambition: to equip students and educators with the creative and digital fluency essential to thrive in tomorrow’s world.
It’s a bold vision for a university with more than 130 years of history — a legacy built on practical, real-world learning that must now prepare learners for a rapidly evolving digital future. “Being an applied university means preparing people for what’s next,” Young said. “We need to ensure that our students and staff are agile, digitally capable, and ready to meet future challenges.”
This vision propelled RMIT on a remarkable journey. After being named an Adobe Creative Campus in 2022, the university pushed the boundaries of education. Now, RMIT is one of the first universities to earn Adobe Creative Campus Innovator status. This title not only recognizes adoption of Adobe tools on campus, but also celebrates institutions that lead with creativity, innovation, and transformative teaching practices.
For RMIT, it reflects years of pioneering work to empower educators, reimagine curriculum, and embed digital fluency into the university’s DNA.
Photo Credit: RMIT University.
From vision to transformation
At the outset, Young and his team recognized that lasting change meant investing in people. A professional development program offered hands-on workshops, lectures, and peer-led discussion groups to build confidence with Adobe tools. New staff were welcomed into a digital-first environment through an Adobe induction program, embedding creativity from day one.
As confidence grew, creativity blossomed. The Adobe Creative Curriculum Program became the heart of innovation, supporting 24 projects that reached over 20,000 students. Two of these initiatives are now embedded in RMIT’s Curriculum Architecture, creating flexible, interdisciplinary learning pathways.
Among these, the Vocational Education Indigenous Cultural Safety course stands out for both its creative approach and societal impact. Integrated into 11 programs and engaging 2,500 students, it underscores RMIT’s commitment to inclusion and cultural understanding alongside digital fluency.
“RMIT stands out as an applied university that truly understands and supports the diverse needs of its learners,” Young said. “I’m proud to be part of a community that opens doors for all, no matter where they are on their educational path.”
Students at the heart of innovation
For students, the transformation was equally profound. The Adobe Hub, a vibrant physical and digital space on RMIT’s City and Brunswick campuses in Melbourne designed to support students and staff in developing their digital skills using Adobe Creative Cloud apps, became a creative playground where ideas came to life.
Adobe Coaches embedded in the Library Concierge team, provided more than 438 coaching sessions in 2024. These sessions went beyond technical training, fostering creative confidence through hackathons, industry events, and a Future of Work Festival.
Photo Credit: RMIT University.
Celebrating impact and earning Innovator status
As these initiatives flourished, so too did recognition of their impact. In early 2024, the RMIT x Adobe Partnership Showcase brought together staff, students, and industry leaders to celebrate transformative teaching. Later, RMIT hosted the Asia Pacific Adobe Education Conference, engaging more than 2,000 educators.
Behind the scenes, RMIT streamlined access to Adobe tools and developed a new RMIT Brand package in Adobe Express, launching in 2025 with over 80 custom templates to encourage staff to use the content creation app and keep RMIT brand uniformity.
Leading by example
This ecosystem has earned RMIT accolades nationally and internationally. Projects created as part of the Creative Curriculum Program received two Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning at the 2024 Australian Awards for University Teaching and three Platinum Awards at the 2024 LearnX for Best EdTech categories.
But for Young, the real success lies in seeing students and educators embrace creativity as a mindset that prepares them for an ever-changing world.
“Our partnership with Adobe has created a supportive environment that enables innovation, collaboration, and embedded digital fluency and creativity at RMIT,” he said.
As an Adobe Creative Campus Innovator, RMIT sets a global benchmark for what’s possible when technology, creativity, and a bold vision come together.
For more information on Adobe Creative Campus Innovators, please see this announcement.